Student representation exists to give students a say in their own education. A student representative represents the students' views wherever decisions are made or prepared at the university that affect the students' education or situation.

Universities are governed by boards, committees and other decision-making and preparatory bodies. It is through these bodies that education is planned, evaluated and developed. There are seats on these bodies designated for student representatives.

As a student representative, you participate in the work of the group with the same rights as other members. This means that you attend the meetings when you are called and read the documents in advance. It may also mean attending pre-meetings, where you have the chance to prepare for the meeting. As a student representative, you are also part of your Student Representative Council. This means that all student representatives in the same section at the union get together and discuss the issues they will jointly pursue to improve education. The councils are also advisory, and act to support and assist you in your role.

As a student representative, you will receive ongoing training and information from the union on how best to carry out your role, and you will have the opportunity to drive issues and effect change. Training is tailored to the needs and wishes of student representatives. In addition, you will receive support from the other student representatives on the Student Representative Council, from the union's honorary and staff members and from the university.

Ordinary members receive notice and documents of meetings and may attend all meetings. Substitutes should generally only attend meetings if one of the full members is unable to attend, but this varies between groups. Ask what the rules are in your group once you have taken up your post. Only full members have the right to vote, and alternates only if a full member is absent and they attend in his/her place. The same applies to any fees.

As a student at Uppsala University, you have rights and obligations. Much of your study situation at the University is regulated by the students' working conditions, including when you can have seminars and lectures, registration for courses, and examinations.

the handbook for Student Representatives* is designed to provide you as a student representative with ongoing support. the handbook takes you through different parts of the University and the union. It also has many good explanations of how meetings are usually run and a glossary of commonly used terms.

All student representatives receive a physical copy of the handbook when they attend the training for student representatives organised by the Faculty Coordinators, but it is always available digitally too.

The statement describes what Uppsala Student Union stands for on various issues, for example Uppsala Student Union believes that students with disabilities should have opportunities for support in teaching. If you as a student representative need support on different issues, you can turn to the Opinion Programme for inspiration!

As a student representative, you will receive training on the mission you hold. Every semester, our faculty coordinators organise several training sessions, where you will go through student rights, meeting formalities, support from the union and much more! If you have any questions, please contact our faculty coordinators at fakultetssamordnare@uskar.se.